Abel Finds ’Right Stuff’ With Terex

Wed February 14, 2001
Aggregate Equipment Guide

Becoming one of the leaders in the heavy construction industry in Central Pennsylvania and Northern Maryland takes hard work, dedication and reliable equipment. Abel Construction Company Inc., Mountville, PA, has found the ’right stuff’ during its 29 years in operation.

Founded in 1972, Abel Construction began with various small projects in the York County, PA, area. Since then, the company has grown to offer a wide range of construction services, including excavation, sewer and waterline installation, storm water management, structural concrete, curbing and paving.

“By offering this turn-key development package, we can anticipate scheduling and construction concerns before they present a problem,” said Troy Abel, president. “A project owner is welcome to involve themselves as much or as little as they desire. It’s our goal to completely and professionally coordinate and control the flow of site improvements on a project.”

Construction improvements for residential subdivisions comprise the majority of Abel Construction’s workload. A few recently completed projects include: Stone Creek in Derry Township, Dauphin County, PA; Manchester Meadows in Manchester Township, York County, PA; Newport Square, Warwick Township, Lancaster County, PA.

Abel also has just completed the sitework for the Windsor Commons Shopping Center located along Route 24 in Windsor Township, Lancaster County, PA. Due to permitting problems, the project started approximately six weeks later than anticipated. With 400,000 cu. yds. (304,000 cu m) of earth to move before the installation of pipework, curbing and paving, Abel Construction still had the capability of meeting critical path deadlines.

One of Abel Construction’s most noteworthy projects is the Bulle Rock Golf Club in Havre de Grace, MD. Abel was responsible for all site improvements at this unique golf course, including clearing, bulk excavation, shaping and drainage. Site work for the clubhouse and maintenance building was also handled by Abel. Since opening in 1998, the facility has received numerous awards, and in 2000 was named one of Golf Digests’ “Sweet Sixteen” five-star golf courses.

Future projects for Able include: Willow Valley Lakes Manor, a retirement community located in West Lampeter Township, Lancaster County, PA; Manchester Farms, a residential subdivision in Carrol County, MD; Fountains at the Heritage, a residential subdivision in Springettsbury Township, York County, PA; and Penns Crossing, a residential subdivision in Manheim Township, Lancaster County, PA.

The Right Stuff

To get all this work done, Abel Construction relies on L.B. Smith Inc., Camp Hill, PA, for its equipment needs. The company recently updated its scraper fleet with the purchase of four new Terex scrapers. The company took delivery of four 340 hp (253 kW) TS14Gs with a 14-cu. yd. (10.7 cu m) capacity.

Operating 10 scrapers total, the four new TS14Gs join Abel Construction’s other Terex TS14Bs and S24Bs.

“The Terex product is a good product, but more importantly is our dealer relationship with L.B. Smith,” said Abel. “We’ve been working with them for 28 years and we’ve received outstanding service.”

“What we have is a proven machine that is far superior to our existing TS14B models,” added Steve Shenenberger, vice president of operations.

Shenenberger went on to add that the company’s operators are extremely pleased with the TS14Gs. “The machines make our operators feel right at home,” he said. “They are equipped with heaters and air conditioning, and the ride-control offers our operators the smoothest ride available.”

For more information about the Terex scrapers, contact Terry Wilhelm, territory manager, L.B. Smith Inc. at 800/527-7676.

This story also appears on Construction Equipment Guide.